Ever feel uneasy when you hear a strange noise at night? Thatâs exactly how Marie Van Brittan Brown felt in the 1960s while working late shifts as a nurse in Queens, New York. But instead of just worrying, she invented something revolutionaryâthe first home security system. One womanâs solution to feeling unsafe ended up transforming how millions of people protect their homes today.
đ¨ When Safety Meets Innovation
Picture this: Itâs 1966, and police response times in Brownâs neighborhood were painfully slow. Crime was rising, and as a nurse working irregular hours, she often came home alone late at night. So, she designed a system with a camera that slid between four peepholes, connected to a monitor inside her home.
Think of it as the great-grandmother of the Ring doorbell. But whatâs incredible is that she wasnât just solving her own problemâshe was creating something that would shape home security forever.
đ§ Building the Blueprint
Working with her husband Albert Brown, an electronics technician, she took her idea further. According to the Smithsonian, their system introduced features that are now standard in home security:
- A camera to see who was at the door
- A two-way microphone to talk with visitors
- A button to contact police in case of emergency
- A remote-controlled door lock for added safety
At a time when most households didnât even have color TVs, Brownâs patent, granted in 1969, made her one of the first African American women to hold a patent for a security system.
đ Marie Van Brittan Brown Legacy
What makes Brownâs story remarkable is how her invention went beyond personal use to influence an entire industry. Her patent has been cited in at least 32 other security innovations, forming the foundation for:
- Modern video surveillance
- Two-way communication systems
- Remote security control
Today, the home security market she helped pioneer is worth billions.
đ Impact Today and Tomorrow
Brownâs innovation continues to evolve in ways she might never have imagined. AI-powered security systems, facial recognition, and smart home integrations all trace back to her original ideaâensuring people feel safe in their own homes.
Her story proves that the most impactful innovations often come from solving everyday challenges.
The next time you check a doorbell camera or remotely lock your home, remember Marie Van Brittan Brownâthe nurse who revolutionized home security.
When was the last time you used a security feature that Brown helped pioneer? Chances are, her influence is closer than you think.